A Few Notes About Shotgun Gauges and Game

[homesteader]

Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the gun’s barrel. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 410-gauge, but there are several others as well, including 16-gauge and 28-gauge.

I have a strong affinity for smaller-gauge shotguns, having used both 20 and 28-gauges for hunting quail, partridge, grouse, and doves throughout the years. These guns provide a fun and effective alternative to their larger counterparts.

While I also have a soft spot for the .410, I believe it is best used for clay shooting rather than hunting. I have used a 16-gauge for upland bird hunting and find it to be satisfactory, but it does have some drawbacks, which I’ll discuss later. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE